Travel

Cheap and free things to do in Madrid during your summer holiday


MADRID hit the headlines this year after thousands of Brits flocked to the Spanish city for the football final.

However, Madrid is also one of the best destinations to spend a few days eating tapas and learning about the Spanish culture.

 We reveal the best cheap and free things to do in Madrid

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We reveal the best cheap and free things to do in MadridCredit: Alamy

We’ve rounded up the best cheap (and even free) things to do in the city before this summer.

From beautiful architecture to the best views of the city, here are the top ten things to do that won’t cost the earth.

1. Museo del Prado

As the most popular museum in Madrid, it is home to thousands of drawings and paintings dating back to the 12th century.

While it costs €15 (£13) to explore the museum during the day, it is free to enter between 6pm and 8pm from Monday to Saturday.

 Museo del Prado is free to enter most evenings

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Museo del Prado is free to enter most eveningsCredit: Alamy

2. Mercado de San Miguel

One of the oldest markets in Madrid, it has a number of food stalls selling fresh cheese, wine and chocolates.

While many stalls are good for dining out, some may offer free tastings too.

3. Plaza Mayor

The large plaza is a common meeting place for locals and tourists, and is perfect if you like people-watching.

It had once been used for everything from public executions to royal ceremonies, but it is now surrounded by cafes and restaurants.

 Try some of the local cuisine at San Miguel market

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Try some of the local cuisine at San Miguel marketCredit: Alamy

4. Atocha Railway Station

Railway stations aren’t normally tourist attractions but this one, the largest train station in the city, is home to a tropical garden.

Trains from Barcelona and Malaga often travel through the station so stopping to enjoy the garden before venturing into the city centre is a must.

5. Museo de Reina Sofia

Museo de Reina Sofia also offers free entry at certain times of the week, usually between 7pm and 9pm.

However, it’s closed on Tuesdays.

Inside, you will find works from Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso.

 The best views of the city are from the rooftop bars

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The best views of the city are from the rooftop barsCredit: Alamy

6. Azotea del Circulo

The rooftop bar has panoramic views of the city.

Costing just €4 (£3.50) to get in, it’s great if you just want a top spot for the perfect picture – or splurge on drinks and dinner as well.

7. La Tabacalera

For street art fans, La Tabacalera in the Lavapies neighbourhood is the best place to find it.

The underground tunnels are covered in graffiti with the famous Calle de Miguel Servet featuring one long wall of art.

 Madrid has so much to offer from food to architecture

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Madrid has so much to offer from food to architectureCredit: Alamy

8. Temple of Debod

On top of the hill in Parque de la Montaña is the Temple of Debod, which dates back to 2 BC.

It was given to Madrid in 1968 by Egypt for saving a number of ancient temples, and the free attraction is best explored at sunset.

9. El Rastro

Every Sunday, the oldest open flea market in Madrid opens between 9am and 3pm, selling everything from vintage clothes to electronics.

It is free to walk around but you might find it hard to resist a bargain.

 Temple of Debod is best explored at sunset

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Temple of Debod is best explored at sunsetCredit: Alamy

10. Flamenco at Clan

A visit to Madrid isn’t complete without watching flamenco, and there are free performances at restaurant Clan.

You will have to buy a drink, but if you can stay until midnight, with the shows lasting well into the night.

How to get around Madrid

Most of the main attractions are in the central area which can be explored on foot.

However, there is also an underground metro that runs from 6am to 1:30am with over 300 stations across the city – single fares starts from €1.50 (£1.32).

Buses also run throughout the night and day, and are €1.50 (£1.32) for a single journey., or there are plenty of taxis to flag down which are well regulated and affordable.

Holidays to Spain don’t have to break the bank, with seven night holidays for just £155 per person.

Costa del Sol and Tenerife are also some of the popular options this year with guaranteed sun and sand.

Spain and Greece are some of the cheapest destinations right now thanks to the fluctuating pound.





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